If you’re going through hell, keep going.

Building a killer social support team is the most important investment you can make in your mental health. So today I thought it would be nice to draw attention to the types of people who make a positive difference in our lives. Spread some love, you know? So, here’s my platonic love letter for the allies and friends who make going through hell feel a little bit more like heaven.

The 4 Types of People You Need On Your Social Support Team:

1. The Warrior

Her suit of armor may just be a Lululemon hoodie, but she’s a tough bitch. And she’s not afraid to fight for you when it comes down to it.

Too freaked out to buy a self-help book for your personality-disordered self at Barnes and Noble? She’ll buy it for you while educating the judgy sales clerk.

When it comes to sticking up for you, no dragon is too big to conquer. Of course, the goal is, ultimately, to find your own voice, but it doesn’t hurt to have someone on your side while you’re working on it.

2. The Scholar

To say this girl is thorough would be putting it lightly. She has definitely put in her fair share of time researching your mental illness (and checking in with you to hear your thoughts!)

If you two are close, she may even have an organized collection of info on how she can best support you.

It’s not just that she’s a smarty pants (and an amazing resource) – it’s that she cares enough to actively seek out ways to support you while you’re dealing with shit. A+ friend tbh.

3. The Angel

This might be your best friend, your boyfriend, or your mom. But whatever clothes they wear, you don’t know what you would do without them.

They seem to have an unending supply of patience and a solid understanding of whether you need a hug, a laugh, or a break from other humans when you’re feeling bad.

Are they perfect? Well, no. But when it comes down to it, they are practically heaven-sent.

4. The (Tough) Lover

You may not want to call them for a pep talk, but they are guaranteed to get your ass out of bed if you’ve been a little too mopey lately.

It can be nice to have friends who are more on the Snow White side of things too, but let’s be real – do you really need another person to enable your bullshit?

This person can read you like a magazine. She knows when to back off (I mean, a few minutes of self-pity on a bad day won’t kill you) and when to challenge you. And tbh she’s usually right (although she doesn’t necessarily need to know that).

It takes a village…

I will never turn down the opportunity to talk up mental healthcare options like CBT or meaningful self-care. But really, you need a fucking village when you’re dealing with mental health issues.

What about you?

If you have amazing people in your life that help you cope, feel free to take an Internet break and shoot them a quick thank you. Then let me know in the comments what your favorite people do to help you deal with the BS.